Spend a Day in Greenwood, South Carolina

Greenwood’s slogan is “There’s Always Something Blooming”, and this just about sums up this quaint community. Wildflowers are abundant in the spring and it’s the home of the South Carolina Festival of Flowers (held in June each year). On the shores of Lake Greenwood, there are also a multitude of outdoor and recreational activities. With a revamped downtown area and “the widest main street in the world”, the four lane highway serves as a gateway to the many sites and activities available for visitors.

Morning:

Art and Museums

Start the day at the Greenwood Regional Tourism and Visitors Bureau. This restored federal building has had several purposes since 1905 including housing the IRS, post office and social security offices. Today it serves not only the regional visitor’s center but also as the Arts Center of Greenwood County. Featured are works of art by local, regional and national artists and they hold receptions on the first Friday of each month. There are four artists in residence including Jeffrey Callaham who is known as the story-telling artist as he tells real life stories through his paintings and John Holloway a local photographer.

Be sure to go next door to The Museum. This cute museum displays around 45,000 objects from across the Greenwood (aka Lakelands due to its proximity to numerous lakes) area and the world. There are permanent as well as temporary exhibits.

Also part of the museum, a couple of blocks away, is the Railroad Historical Center. Here you’ll find an old steam locomotive dating back to the 18th century along with other railroad artifacts.

Grab a Bite

For lunch, grab a sandwich at Howard’s on Main. This local delicatessen, owned by Greenwood native Howard Corley, serves up heaping sandwiches, wraps and Panini’s. Howard has owned other businesses in Greenwood but this is his first venture in Greenwood’s Uptown area. Howard’s on Main also offers a small bar in the back in case you need an adult beverage.

Afternoon:

Trains and Goats

Trains and Goats might seem to be a weird combination but it comes together beautifully at Emerald Farms. This working goat farm is home to about 12 Saanen goats (a Swiss dairy goat), 2 llamas and a multitude of peacocks, rabbits and wild turkeys. Owners Kathryn and Paul Zahn have had goats for over thirty years and also take in occasional rescue ducks, carp and catfish to hang out in their pond. Kathryn, who started her career working at Clemson, is certified in natural health and makes and sells soaps, shampoos and lotions from the milk her goats provide. The soaps are also sold in local natural stores, at the Biltmore and on the internet.

Paul has converted one of the hay barns on the 50 acre property to a model railroad clubhouse where members can bring in their own trains and run them anytime they want. Club dues are only $10.00 per month with storage space available. The train layouts began in 1997 and have evolved continuously over time. On-site is a fifty five year old CSX hydraulic train and a newly restored 1956 Santa Fe. Tours are given around the property on a vintage 1957 train for $2.75 per person. In the gift and hobby shop you can pick up model train parts, local artwork and also supplies to make your own wine, cheese, beer and mead.

No visit to this area is complete without a stop at The Ninety Six National Historic Site. In the mid-1700’s, European colonists settled in the area and Fort Ninety Six was built to protect the settlers from Indian attacks. During the revolutionary war, this was considered a strategic location. The first land battle south of New England was fought here in 1775. Nathaniel Greene also staged the longest field siege of the Revolutionary War here in 1781. The British-built Star Fort is considered one of the most well-preserved forts of the 18th century. The park covers 1022 acres and has several trails including a one mile hiking trail that lets visitors explore the Star Fort and historic roadbeds.

Kicker’s is a local favorite and is open for lunch daily (except for Sunday) but only open for dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They offer regular items such as hamburgers, wraps and pasta but with a kick. Try the Cuban Burger with Mojo Sauce or a bowl of potato and beer cheese soup.

Take in a Movie

One of the few remaining and operating drive-in theaters in South Carolina is located here. The Auto Drive In Theater shows first-run movies, often double and triple features. Movies start at sundown. Be sure to bring some lawn chairs and a blanket and kick back and relax and enjoy the show.

Only about an hour away from Simpsonville, ‘the old ninety six district” is a great place to spend a day or a long weekend. So take a drive down the country roads and immerse yourself in history and nature.

For more information on Greenwood and the Old Ninety Six District, please contact www.sctravelold96.com or toll free number 800-849-9633.

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About the Author

Sherry Jackson’s love of travel came at a young age. Her family would load up the car on the weekend, pick a destination and set off to explore. She has traversed thru jungles, snorkeled the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and wandered the streets of Paris, always searching for her next adventure. Her articles have been featured in a variety of outlets including USA Today, Blue Ridge Country, Foothills Spotlight Magazine, Jetsetter, Bootsnall, Gadling, Yahoo, CityRoom, The Simpsonville Sentinel and countless other print and online publications. She owns and maintains four websites (www.seethesouth.com , www.dragonflyventures.com, dvtravels.net and www.rulesforeveryday.com). Sherry is a member of the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). Her work can be viewed at www.dragonflyventures.com.